Thursday, June 6, 2013

Hey! I Know Someone You Should Know!


One of the most valuable things you can do for a networking partner, beyond making a direct referral, is introducing them to someone else you know who could also be a great networking partner.  It’s quick and easy (trust me – I do it for members of The Power Lunch Project all day long!) and can me done via a short email!

Here are a few things to remember:

Don’t Be Random – It’s not really helpful to match two professionals up just because they want to network in general, try to make matches based on industry, hobbies, or even personalities.  If you don’t know the types of professionals your networking partner would like to meet – ASK!

Tell ‘em Why – When making an introduction, tel the parties why you are doing so.  Something like “Hi Mary and Jane!  I wanted to introduce you ladies since you are both in real estate-related fields and might make great networking partners!”

Give Permission – Sometimes people are shy about asking for a networking meeting.  They think it sounds “salesy” or maybe they are afraid of rejection.  Whatever the reason, say in your intro email that you hope that the parties will get together for a face-to-face meeting.  It makes it less awkward for one of them to ask!

Invite Yourself – Think adding yourself into the lunch or coffee meeting with your networking partners would help move the networking process along?  Go ahead and say so!

So get out your Roledex and open your LinkedIn connections and start making a few networking introductions!  In fact, make a few each week!  What’s in it for you?  You’ll get to be known as the “Connector Extraordinaire” and that means you will be the “go to” person, which is a great opportunity to show off your talents and a good way to stay at the top of people’s minds!

Happy Networking!
Sara Rosenberg
Connector-in-Chief
The Power Lunch Project
http://www.ThePowerLunchProject.com